Tanning process



UNITED STATEs PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE \V. HERSEY, OF EMPIRE, \VISOONSIN.

TANNING PROCESS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of'Letters Patent No. 349,589, dated September 21, 1886. I

Application tiled December-E21, 1885. Serial NofiBGJlGl. (Spccimensd .To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. HERSEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Empire, in the county of Fond du Lac and State of W'isconsin, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ta'nning Compounds, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has for its object to provide a process for tanning leather, whereby the hides are rendered soft and pliable, their pores are opened to permit of the thorough or effective penetration of the tanning-liquor, which pores are then closed, theleather or hides are prevented from cracking, all the glue and gelatine therein being retained, consequently the resultant will be waterproof, and the liquor is prevented from sou ring, which foregoing objects are among the chief advantages of my invention. I

The. nature of my invention consists of the steps employed in the conduct of the same, and of the ingredients,including their proper tions, more particularly the ingredients mentioned in connection with the tanning process or operation proper, substantially as hereinafter described,and pointed out in the claims. in carrying out my invention the first step is to place the hides in a vat containing lye and salt, in the proportions of ten pounds of the latter to one pint of the former for each hide of light weight. After the soaking ofthe hides a specified time, as well understood by those skilled in the art, add from time to time a small quantity of lye. until the hair of the hides begins to loosen or star t. Should, at this stage of the procedure, a deodorizer be required, also add about one hundred drops of carbolic acid; The second step is the liming of the hides, for which purpose, insteadof lime, as previously used, lye or ashes is employed, one quart of either of which with water being added daily until the hair has become loosened. Vith a small amount of lye left in the hides, the latter will not crack, as has been experienced in the use of lime in passing the hides through the tanning process proper, as hereinafter described, also, in the bating of will prevent the liquor from becoming sour,

which hating of the hides is now the next step in order, the same being carried out by adding to the liquor bran to the extent of a peek at the beginning. The final or last step consists of subjecting the hides to the tanning process proper, the liquor of which is made of the following ingredients, in the proportions hereinafter named, for a single hide: Ten pounds of salt, one pound of saccharine matter, (sugar,) to which is added one pound of French ocher for coloring purposes, and one ounce of borax to impart softness to hide, and water sufficient to cover hide. The saidingredients, with water, of course, are added in the same proportions for eaeh'additional hide placed in the vat. I also use this liquor, as thus produced,

. with all astringents, and with it and the previously-described treatment of the hides the latter are possessed, in addition to all the qualities set Iorth at the beginning of this specification, ot' the following: The resultant for days, and it will be perfectly impervious thereto, and the tanning is effected in a minimum space of time, while the best color is obtained for the leather.

Having now described my invention, what I desire to secure by Letters Patent is The herein -described process of tanning leather, which consists, first, in placiugthe hide in a liquor consisting of lye and salt; second, adding ashes or bran until the hair starts; third, adding more bran; fourth, in placing the'hide in a liquor consisting of salt, alum, borax, saccharine matter,Frencl1 ocher, and water, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE W. HERSEY. Witnesses: V

OWEN A. WELLs, FRANK M. DANA.

a as e 70 leather can be exposed to the action of water 

